Using Oral Corticosteroids for Asthma Flare-Ups

Tips for taking your medicine

Make sure you take the medicine exactly as it is prescribed. The directions can be confusing. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Keep these directions on your Asthma Action Plan.

Here are some tips:

• Make sure to follow an Asthma Action Plan. This is a written worksheet made just for you. It is put together by you and your doctor. It gives exact steps to take for early treatment of your asthma symptoms. These steps will help keep your asthma from getting worse. The worksheet also advises when to call your doctor, call 911, or go to the emergency room. Go over the worksheet with your close family members. Keep a copy with you. Take it with you to your appointments. This is so it can be updated every year or when your treatments change.

• The dose of corticosteroids is sometimes higher when you start taking the medicine. Then it is slowly lowered until you are done. This is called tapering.

• Don’t forget to take your medicine on time. To help you remember, try taking your medicine when you brush your teeth. Consider setting an alarm on your phone, smart watch, or computer to help you remember. Write down each dose as you take it. This is so you don't accidentally miss a dose or take extra medicine.

• Don’t stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Take all the medicine as directed until it's gone.

• Know what to do if you happen to miss a dose. Write this on your Asthma Action plan. If you realize you aren't sure about what to do, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Or talk to your pharmacist.

 Common oral corticosteroids

• Methylprednisolone

• Prednisolone

• Prednisolone sodium phosphate

• Prednisone

• Dexamethasone

Side effects

This medicine has few side effects when taken for a short time. The most common ones include:

• Appetite changes.

• Nervousness or moodiness.

• Sleep problems.

• Indigestion.

If you have diabetes, it may make your blood sugar harder to control.

If this medicine is used for a long time, more serious side effects may occur. These include:

• Acne.

• Weight gain.

• Mood changes.

• High blood pressure.

• Swelling.

• Bruising.

• Sleep problems.

• Stomach, eye, or bone problems.

Don't take more medicine than prescribed. And don't take it more often than you are supposed to.

Talk with your doctor about any side effects that you have. In the meantime, don’t stop taking your medicine.

These medicines can cause problems with other medicines. They can also make other health problems worse. Let your doctor know about all the medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell all your doctors that you are taking oral corticosteroids. Make sure you include your dentist.

Contact your doctor if you have:

• Trouble seeing.

• The need to urinate more often than normal.

• Increased thirst.

• Asthma symptoms that get worse.

• Other new symptoms that concern you.